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Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships

Getting married in a civil ceremony

  • Arranging your civil ceremony

    A civil marriage ceremony can be conducted by a registrar or deputy registrar for the district where it will take place.

    You will first need to decide where and when to have your ceremony before giving notice of your marriage.

    If you would like to have your ceremony in City Hall, or at one of our approved venues, please contact us by filling out our marriage and civil partnership enquiry form or calling 028 9027 0455 for availability and advice.

    You can have up to 70 guests at your civil ceremony in Belfast City Hall.

  • Giving notice

    You must give at least 28 days’ notice to get married. If you don't give this in time, you may need to postpone your marriage. 

    Find out how and when to give notice.

  • Civil ceremony final appointments

    Before your ceremony, you will need to book an appointment to present your original documents and wedding day information form. There will be an opportunity to talk with one of the registrars and ask any questions about your day.

    Appointments are available from Monday to Friday, 11am to 12.20pm, at City Hall. Please select the ‘short appointments’ option at the top of the form and then 'civil ceremony final appointment' from the list when booking.

    Book an appointment

    You will receive a confirmation email after completing your booking. If you don’t receive this, please check your junk mail folder.

    If you are unable to come into City Hall, you can still present the documents on the day of your ceremony.

  • Marriage fees for civil wedding

    Fees for Belfast City Hall Registrar's office

    Registrar's office fees Weekdays Saturdays Bank holidays
    Two notice fees (£22 each) £44 £44 £44
    Ceremony £36 £36 £36
    Room hire £350 £500 £500
    Registrar’s attendance Free £126 £180
    Total £430 £706 £760

    Fees for approved council venues

    Approve venue fees Weekdays Saturdays Bank Holidays
    Two notice fees (£22 each) £44 £44 £44
    Ceremony £36 £36 £36
    Fee for the attendance of a registrar £383 £600 £632
    Total £463 £680 £712

    Approved venue licence fee

    A temporary licence for an approved venue will cost £400.

    More information

    Our prices are effective from 1 July 2024. For more information about our marriage and venue fees, email registrar@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 028 9027 0455.

  • More information

    You can contact the Registration Office by calling 028 9027 0455 or emailing registrar@belfastcity.gov.uk

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